Does Israel still represent divine privilege to be protected as far as God is concerned? (...and if so, then, O.K....but if not, then, why are we still acting like it?)
Several weeks ago, I involuntarily mumbled, "Lodehammercy!" (a "black-ism" for Lord Have Mercy), as I listened to updates on the 19th day of Israel's so-called strategic assault on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. "When in God's name will this conflict end?!" (there has since been a cease-fire declared as of August 14; this post is a "save draft" originally from date listed above) I find it extremely difficult to justify such knowing commitment to the inadvertant escalation of collateral damage among innocent children, women and men. Israel's U.N. ambassador Gillerman reminds us that Hezbollah is the real culprit by forcing poor Lebanese families to provide cover for Hezbollah fighters, thus being caught in Israel's crossfire. Lebanon's P.M. Siniora says this is nothing but the acts of "Israeli war criminals", acts of "massacre".
Who's right? Is the one right who reacts to provocation by attempting total annihilation of the enemy? Is the one right who's being annihilated but who supposedly committed the initial act of violence in the first place, all in the name of fighting off an oppressive regime heavily supported by the West?
Another question: Is it right that the U.S. government should give almost unconditional support to Israel based on a tacit affinity for Israel's historical significance to Western Civilization and a shared religious heritage? More importantly, do Christians (not those by cultural precedent but my faith in Christ as Lord) have an obligation to support Israel merely on the basis of shared theological-historical heritage?
I won't comment anymore (maybe another time), but what do you think? Please share your comments on this very troubling and provocative matter.
Several weeks ago, I involuntarily mumbled, "Lodehammercy!" (a "black-ism" for Lord Have Mercy), as I listened to updates on the 19th day of Israel's so-called strategic assault on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. "When in God's name will this conflict end?!" (there has since been a cease-fire declared as of August 14; this post is a "save draft" originally from date listed above) I find it extremely difficult to justify such knowing commitment to the inadvertant escalation of collateral damage among innocent children, women and men. Israel's U.N. ambassador Gillerman reminds us that Hezbollah is the real culprit by forcing poor Lebanese families to provide cover for Hezbollah fighters, thus being caught in Israel's crossfire. Lebanon's P.M. Siniora says this is nothing but the acts of "Israeli war criminals", acts of "massacre".
Who's right? Is the one right who reacts to provocation by attempting total annihilation of the enemy? Is the one right who's being annihilated but who supposedly committed the initial act of violence in the first place, all in the name of fighting off an oppressive regime heavily supported by the West?
Another question: Is it right that the U.S. government should give almost unconditional support to Israel based on a tacit affinity for Israel's historical significance to Western Civilization and a shared religious heritage? More importantly, do Christians (not those by cultural precedent but my faith in Christ as Lord) have an obligation to support Israel merely on the basis of shared theological-historical heritage?
I won't comment anymore (maybe another time), but what do you think? Please share your comments on this very troubling and provocative matter.
posted by sankofa3mm at 1:49 PM
4 Comments:
I have just been reading William Stringfellow and he said Jerusalem and Babylon are metaphors for the Kingdom of God and the empire of death or powers and principalities. To usher in the Kingdom is to oppose powers and principalities wherever they are. In this case we are Babylon helping support Babylon. A peacemaker must always be a stranger. There are many Israelis and Americans who believe in preserving the vision of the peaceable Kingdom.
Bless you for asking.
I have just been reading William Stringfellow and he said Jerusalem and Babylon are metaphors for the Kingdom of God and the empire of death or powers and principalities. To usher in the Kingdom is to oppose powers and principalities wherever they are. In this case we are Babylon helping support Babylon. A peacemaker must always be a stranger. There are many Israelis and Americans who believe in preserving the vision of the peaceable Kingdom.
Bless you for asking.
I think as Believers whose faith is in Christ, we are commanded to pray for Jerusalem... even if we are not in agreement with established governing policies. The US believes that God is on our side, and that God is the God of Israel. But 9/11 has changed the whole geo-politcal landscape and America is ignorant to the stench it is in God's nostrils.
I believe Romans 11 is quite clear, and the "church"... the true Bride of Christ will oneday fulfill verse 11 -
I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. (NAS)
We will become the provocation of Isreal's jealousy, and so of necessity Israel continues on in its hardness under a spirit of stupor. As a major player, the stage is being set for Isreal to become even more hated by the world which will seek and call for its total anihilation...
OFF TOPIC, BUT IMPORTANT. . .
On April 17, 2006, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board decided: "It's time for an unapologetic Preston to go!"
On October 13, 2006, Joe Preston continued to demonstrate a lack of remorse telling the editorial board that he, in fact, will not return the pay raise.
It's this simple: Mr. Preston is one of the lone symbols of this controversy who still believes a nod-nod, wink-wink from the Governor, local political leaders and the media can protect him from any further public ridicule.
In short, Mr. Preston has recently demonstrated unprecedented arrogance suggesting an attitude and confidence that are embarrassing.
VOTE TODD ELLIOTT KOGER FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE (DISTRICT 24) ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006.
http://koger.7p.com
http://toddelliottkoger.blogspot.com
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